Leeds Bradford Airport: Increased drop-off charges 'bordering on the ridiculous' as critics warn drivers

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Airports including Leeds Bradford Airport have been criticised for raising charges for drivers dropping off passengers.

A new study has revealed that more than a third of major airports have increased their drop-off fees in the past year.

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The RAC, which conducted the study, branded its finds “bordering on the ridiculous” as some drivers pay up to £7 for “the briefest of stops”.

RAC has criticised Leeds Bradford Airport as increased drop-off charges are “bordering on the ridiculous”. RAC has criticised Leeds Bradford Airport as increased drop-off charges are “bordering on the ridiculous”.
RAC has criticised Leeds Bradford Airport as increased drop-off charges are “bordering on the ridiculous”. | Tony Johnson/National World

Seven out of 20 airports have raised their so-called “kiss and fly” charges, including Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Bristol, which have all increased their fees by £1.

Leeds Bradford Airport - along with Aberdeen and Glasgow - have increased fees by 50p.

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Leeds drivers dropping off their friends and family at the Yeadon airport currently have to pay £6.50 for up to 10 minutes with a normal car, and £8.50 for stays between 10 and 20 minutes.

That fee increases to £13 and £15 respectively for larger vehicles with nine seats or less.

Rod Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, said: “It’s depressing, if perhaps unsurprising given what’s happened in the past, to see seven airports have hiked their drop-off charges once again this year.

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“To have to pay £5, £6 or even £7 for the briefest of stops to simply open the boot and take some luggage out for a friend or loved one is bordering on the ridiculous.

“Increased charges at airports that have relatively poor public transport access – for instance, no direct rail or tram link – also seems pretty unreasonable.

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“Some airports say the reason they charge for drop-offs at all is to discourage people from driving in the first place, but if the alternatives are non-existent, expensive or unreliable then what choice do people really have?”

Leeds Bradford Airport told the Yorkshire Evening Post that despite increasing its drop-off and pick-up prices in April 2024, its pricing remains “competitive with UK regional markets”.

A spokesperson for the airport added that it “continues to maintain its free one hour zone“ and is “one of the only UK airports to do so in close walking distance” to the terminal building, as well as allowing fully electric vehicles to use the drop-off car park for free “to encourage carbon free travel”.

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A spokesperson for trade body Airports UK added: “UK airports offer a range of options for those travelling to and from terminals, with many providing free drop-off facilities at various locations.

“Non-aeronautical income such as drop-off fees allow airports to keep charges to airlines low and to invest in sustainable transport options, benefiting travellers through lower air fares and increased connectivity.

“It also supports the record investments airports are making in improved facilities and infrastructure to create the best possible experience for passengers, as well as encourage people travelling to airports to make use of other, more sustainable forms of transport.”

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